By COMFORT OGBONNA
Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton has voluntarily agreed to give his mother temporary legal custody of his three children following his recent hospitalization in Florida, according to court documents.
Hilton’s mother, Teresita Lavandeira, filed a petition in Miami-Dade County seeking temporary custody of her grandchildren, who are 13, 11 and 8 years old. Hilton consented to the request, allowing his mother to assume legal responsibility for the children while he focuses on his health and recovery.
The temporary custody agreement gives Lavandeira authority to make decisions concerning the children’s care, including medical treatment and education. The arrangement also allows her to take other steps necessary to protect and provide for the children while the temporary order remains in effect.
According to the court documents, Hilton acknowledged that the temporary custody arrangement is intended to serve the best interests of his children. The agreement also allows him to petition the court in the future to have legal custody returned to him.
The documents indicate that Hilton may be required to follow a transition plan before custody is restored, depending on the court’s determination of what is appropriate for the children.
The custody filing comes after Hilton was hospitalized following an incident in Miami on Aug. 4. Authorities responded to multiple calls concerning a man who was reportedly livestreaming acts of self-harm on social media. Hilton was safely taken to a local hospital, where he received medical treatment.
His family later said he had been hospitalized under Florida’s Baker Act and described his condition as serious but stable. The family also said Hilton had experienced significant blood loss and suffered additional injuries that would require surgery.
The family said his recovery would be a lengthy process and asked for privacy and support while he continued receiving treatment.
Hilton, whose birth name is Mario Lavandeira Jr., became widely known after launching his celebrity gossip website in 2004. He built a large following by covering the personal lives and careers of Hollywood celebrities and became a prominent figure in entertainment blogging.
Over the years, Hilton has frequently been involved in public disputes with celebrities and has openly discussed various aspects of his personal life with his audience.
His recent health problems follow another serious medical episode earlier this year. In March, Hilton spent several weeks in a hospital after developing an ulcer that resulted in a perforation and sepsis.
After recovering, Hilton returned to Miami, where he had previously lived and where much of his family remains. In June, he discussed his decision to move back to the city, describing Miami as his longtime home and saying he believed the move would be beneficial for his family.
The temporary custody arrangement does not permanently change Hilton’s parental rights. Instead, it provides his mother with legal authority to care for the children while he undergoes treatment and recovery.
The court will ultimately determine whether and when legal custody should be returned to Hilton based on the circumstances and the best interests of his children
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